South Africa: Legal foreigners fearful as anti-immigrant deadline looms

Lead

As the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups approaches, South Africa is gripped by fear and uncertainty. Tens of thousands have already fled the country, and thousands of others have sought refuge outside Home Affairs offices, awaiting repatriation. The government has urged calm, but violence has already claimed lives and injured others.

Coverage Comparison

The Deadline and Its Impact

The June 30 deadline, issued by groups such as March and March and Amabutho, calls for all undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa. While the deadline has no legal force, its impact has been profound. Africa News reported that tensions are rising, with anti-migrant marches held in several cities and thousands of migrants fleeing. Al Jazeera and France 24 also noted that protests and demonstrations are planned across the country, and the government has warned against violence and lawlessness.

The Guardian reported that mass anti-immigration protests have been held across South Africa, with at least four people killed and tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Over 25,000 people have been repatriated so far, according to police. A separate account by The Guardian described more than 2,000 protesters marching through Durban's city centre.

Key Claims

• The June 30 deadline was set by anti-immigrant groups and has no legal force, as reported by AllAfrica. Legal experts emphasize that only the state can enforce immigration law.
• Thousands of migrants have fled the country, with more than 25,000 repatriated, as reported by The Guardian and Al Jazeera.
• Violence has occurred: six refugees were attacked with sticks in Durban, two were hospitalized, as reported by AllAfrica. The Guardian reported at least four deaths.
• The government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, has warned against vigilantism and violence.
• Documented refugees have been targeted: hundreds have camped outside Home Affairs centres in Durban, fearing to return home, as reported by AllAfrica.

The Human Toll

The deadline has instilled fear among legal migrants and refugees. Many with valid documents are fleeing, saying they no longer feel safe. An anonymous legal resident told Al Jazeera that they are seeking safety because they cannot return to their communities. In the KwaThema informal settlement, vigilante groups have threatened immigrants, and many traders have closed their stalls. Police presence has increased in some areas, but fear persists.

Some locals have expressed support for the protests. At a peaceful march in Soweto, Siphiwe Zondi told Daily Maverick that the government has been feeding empty promises and should take action. Conversely, solidarity events have occurred. On World Refugee Day, a concert in Cape Town, organized by the Ad Hoc Committee for Organizing Musicians, affirmed "African solidarity." Asher Gamedze, an organizer, said the event was to counter attempts to force fellow Africans into fear.

Perspectives

The views of the government and anti-immigrant groups are also present.

• Government: President Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism, and police launched a $36 million operation to prevent violence. Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia emphasized that police would not tolerate violence or lawlessness.

• Anti-immigrant groups: These groups, including the Phakel'umthakathi Ndabandaba-led Amabutho, argue that undocumented immigration burdens local communities and jobs. They demand the government take action, while not stating what will happen if the deadline is ignored.

• Migrant and refugee communities: They are fearful, with many seeking repatriation. Some, like the landlord Charity Sithole, express sadness and question where 'Ubuntu' has gone, while also stating they do not condone illegal immigration. Her tenants, some with years of residence, are leaving.

Covering the Extent of the Crisis

The crisis has spread beyond cities to smaller towns and townships. In Tembelihle, an informal settlement outside Johannesburg, about 300 people attended a meeting to discourage attacks on foreign nationals. However, deep divisions emerged, with some blaming migrants for crime. That evening, a Malawian man was stabbed nearby, highlighting the volatile environment.

In the town of Springs, many immigrant traders have closed their stalls due to threats from vigilante groups. In Mayville, a landlord said that immigrant tenants have already left, and others plan to go. The movements have disrupted lives and businesses, leaving some locals reliant on migrant rent.

The toll is human: At least four people have been killed, and hundreds of refugees camp in fear. One Burundian asylum seeker, Samuel Nyandwi, told GroundUp that he was attacked with sticks and hospitalized. He had been in South Africa for 24 years and had his documents with him. The attackers told him he should have left the country.

The authorities have stepped up, but the path ahead remains uncertain. As the deadline passes, the situation may continue to evolve, with the government vowing to crack down on violence while facing the challenge of addressing the underlying social and economic grievances driving anti-immigration sentiment.